ASUU Rejects Student Loan Scheme, Calls For New Demands

ASUU Rejects Student Loan Scheme, Calls For New Demands....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Union has called for a reevaluation of its demands, which include increased funding for revitalization, promotion of university autonomy, and safeguarding academic freedom across Nigerian universities……. CONTINUE READING

Dr. Ikechuku Igwenyi, Chairman of the EBSU-ASUU Chapter, made these statements during a press conference on Monday in Abakaliki. He criticized the current state of Nigeria’s education system, highlighting issues such as underfunding and the deterioration of public schools, which has led to a shift of students to private institutions and undermined the quality of education.

Igwenyi noted that ASUU’s resistance is fueled by ongoing issues such as non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances, imposition of IPPIS, and threats to university autonomy. He argued that these problems are exacerbated by outdated policies and insufficient funding.

Reflecting on past initiatives, Igwenyi recalled the origins of the student loan scheme, initiated in 1972 under General Yakubu Gowon to support students affected by the civil war. Despite significant funds allocated, repayment issues hindered the scheme’s effectiveness. He also mentioned the 1993 establishment of the Nigerian Education Bank, which struggled with implementation and recovery.

Recent efforts include the 2023 Access to Higher Education Act, signed by President Bola Tinubu, which offers interest-free loans with specific conditions. However, Igwenyi expressed concerns about the scheme’s effectiveness and criticized the government for not adequately investing in tertiary institutions.

He emphasized that education should be publicly funded, not financed through individual loans, and lamented the lack of follow-through on previous promises of funding. ASUU’s primary demands include addressing the gaps in funding and improving the conditions of Nigerian universities to ensure better education quality and institutional autonomy.